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Step 1Open the server Apps tab
Select your VPS, open the Apps tab, and start a new app deployment.
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Jellyfin
Application1024MB+ RAM
Free media streaming server - alternative to Plex
mediastreamingmoviestvplex-alternative
Deploy Jellyfin in 3 Steps
1
Connect Your VPS
Add your server credentials to Server Compass
2
Select Jellyfin
Choose from our template library
3
Deploy & Configure
Fill in settings and click Deploy
No Docker knowledge required
Step-by-step deployment guide
Deploy Jellyfin on a VPS with Server Compass
Use the Jellyfin template in Server Compass to deploy a self-hosted media streaming server with persistent config, cache, and media volumes, then verify the setup wizard in a browser.
About 8 minutesBrowser verified
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Step 2Choose an app template
Click New App and choose the template deployment path so Server Compass can load the built-in catalog.
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Step 3Search for Jellyfin
Use the template picker search to find Jellyfin.
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Step 4Select the Jellyfin template
Choose the Jellyfin template. Server Compass fills the app image, published server URL, host port, and persistent config, cache, and media volumes.
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Step 5Review the Jellyfin settings
Confirm the app name, compose services, and generated configuration.
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Step 6Deploy Jellyfin
Review the generated environment values, confirm the port is available, and click Deploy Now.
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Step 7Watch the deployment progress
Keep the deployment modal open while Server Compass pulls images, starts services, and verifies the stack.
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Step 8Confirm Jellyfin is running
After deployment finishes, confirm the Jellyfin app is marked Running.
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Step 9Open Jellyfin in the browser
Open the application URL in a browser. The Jellyfin setup wizard confirms the app is reachable.
After Jellyfin Opens
- Create the first Jellyfin admin user before production use.
- Mount real media directories into the Jellyfin container before indexing a library.
- Add a domain and HTTPS before exposing the media server to users.
- Back up the Jellyfin config volume before relying on the server for production media libraries.
Verified Result
Jellyfin loaded successfully and displayed the first-run setup wizard.
Jellyfin deployment questions
What does the Jellyfin template deploy?
It deploys Jellyfin with persistent config, cache, and media volumes.
Which port did the tutorial use?
The tutorial used host port 8096, which maps to the Jellyfin web server on container port 8096.
Command Line Setup
Install Jellyfin Manually
Set up Jellyfin yourself using Docker Compose and the command line.
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Remote into Your Server
Initiate a secure shell connection to your server using the command below.
terminal
# Connect to your VPS
ssh root@your-server-ip
# Or with a specific SSH key
ssh -i ~/.ssh/your-key root@your-server-ipFirst time? Docker required! Install it with: curl -fsSL https://get.docker.com | sh
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Create the App Directory
Organize your deployment by creating a dedicated project folder.
terminal
# Create and navigate to project directory
mkdir -p ~/apps/jellyfin
cd ~/apps/jellyfin3
Write Your docker-compose.yml
Create a new docker-compose.yml file and paste this configuration:
docker-compose.yml
services:
jellyfin:
image: jellyfin/jellyfin:latest
ports:
- "8096:8096"
environment:
- JELLYFIN_PublishedServerUrl=<your-server-url>
volumes:
- jellyfin_config:/config
- jellyfin_cache:/cache
- media_data:/media:ro
restart: unless-stopped
volumes:
jellyfin_config:
jellyfin_cache:
media_data:
Configuration Options
PORTHost port to expose(default: 8096)SERVER_URLPublic server URL4
Launch the Containers
Start the services and tail the logs to verify startup.
terminal
# Spin up containers
docker compose up -d
# Verify deployment
docker compose ps
# Check logs for errors
docker compose logs -f5
Open Firewall Ports
Open the required port in your firewall to allow access.
terminal
# Allow the application port through firewall
sudo ufw allow 8096/tcp
sudo ufw reload
# Access your app at:
# http://your-server-ip:8096Skip the Terminal
Want the easy way? Try Server Compass.
No terminal needed. Deploy Jellyfin through a visual dashboard with automatic configuration.
- Visual config editor
- Instant deployment
- Automatic HTTPS
- Smooth updates
- Live monitoring
- Quick rollbacks
Download Server Compass$29 one-time • Lifetime license
After Deployment
After deploying Jellyfin with Server Compass, complete these steps to finish setup
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Complete the initial setup wizard
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Add media libraries
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Create user accounts
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Configure transcoding settings
Need help? Check out our documentation for detailed guides.
Jellyfin FAQ
Common questions about self-hosting Jellyfin
How do I deploy Jellyfin with Server Compass?
Simply download Server Compass, connect to your VPS, and select Jellyfin from the templates list. Fill in the required configuration and click Deploy. The entire process takes under 3 minutes.
What are the system requirements for Jellyfin?
Jellyfin requires a minimum of 1024MB RAM. We recommend a VPS with at least 2048MB RAM for optimal performance. Any modern Linux server with Docker support will work.
Can I migrate my existing Jellyfin data?
Yes! Server Compass provides volume mapping that allows you to import existing data. You can also use standard Jellyfin backup and restore procedures.
How do I update Jellyfin to the latest version?
Server Compass makes updates easy. Simply click the Update button in your deployment dashboard, and the latest Jellyfin image will be pulled and deployed with zero downtime.
Is Jellyfin free to self-host?
Jellyfin is open-source software. You only pay for your VPS hosting (typically $5-20/month) and optionally Server Compass ($29 one-time). No subscription fees or per-seat pricing.
Ready to Self-Host Jellyfin?
Download Server Compass and deploy Jellyfin to your VPS in under 3 minutes. No Docker expertise required.
Download Server Compass